PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Amid growing concerns over export performance and mounting international pressure, Indonesia’s Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani, delivered a significant announcement for the palm oil industry. Speaking at an economic forum in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 8, she revealed that the government will move forward with reducing export levies on crude palm oil (CPO).
This policy shift is more than just a numerical adjustment. According to Sri Mulyani, the cut represents a relief of up to 5 percent in operational burden for industry players.
“We will reduce the export levy on CPO. This is equivalent to lowering the burden by around 5 percent,” she said firmly during her address.
The announcement comes at a critical time. The national palm oil sector is under pressure, notably from the United States’ recent move to raise import tariffs on palm oil derivatives by up to 32 percent. For many exporters, this represents a dual burden that threatens Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global market.
But Sri Mulyani’s message didn’t stop there. She also announced plans to accelerate the implementation of anti-dumping and safeguard import duties—especially targeting imports deemed to disrupt the balance of the domestic market.
“There’s a request for anti-dumping and safeguard duties to be implemented within just 15 days. We are ready to do this, working together with relevant ministries and institutions,” she said, referring to requests from the Minister of Trade and the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs.
She emphasized that these policy steps are part of broader reforms in taxation, customs, and import-export procedures. The goal, she noted, is not just statistical improvement, but the creation of a healthier, more competitive business environment.
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“We will continue to push for reforms that truly ease the burden on businesses. As directed by the President, this is the right moment for deeper, more ambitious structural changes,” Sri Mulyani explained.
For players in the palm oil sector, this policy signal brings a ray of hope amid uncertainty. The government is not only listening—but beginning to take tangible action. And this wave of fiscal reform may soon be felt right at the heart of Indonesia’s plantations. (P2)
